Saed News: In Naser al-Din Shah’s harem, the competition among women to attract the king’s attention was not limited to beauty and behavior. It was a realm of talismans, secret prayers, and superstitions through which some women gained higher status.
According to the History Service of Saed News, superstitions in Naser al-Din Shah Qajar’s harem were not only common but also structured and deeply rooted in the daily lives of the women there. Many women of the harem, especially those competing for the king’s attention, resorted to magical and superstitious methods to maintain or elevate their status. These beliefs could sometimes even influence the decisions of the shah himself.
Forms of Superstition in the Harem
These superstitions were not merely simple or harmless beliefs; rather, they became tools for competition, power-seeking, and even survival within the complex environment of the harem. Each woman, depending on her social standing, popularity with the shah, or her own fears and jealousy toward others, had a unique way of using these beliefs. Below are some of the most common methods and manifestations of superstition in Naser al-Din’s harem.
Talismans and Amulets to Win the Shah’s Affection
Women in the harem sometimes consulted secretive prayer-writers and sorcerers to have special amulets, love prayers, or spells written, aiming to draw the shah’s heart toward them. It was believed that these talismans would distract the shah from other wives and focus his attention solely on the user.
Illusions and Mental Influence through Dreams and Signs
There are accounts of women pretending to see special dreams or heavenly signs to convince the shah that they were superior to other women in a “divine” or “sacred” way. The shah himself, interested in dream interpretation and supernatural signs, sometimes believed these omens.
Spells Against Rivals
Alongside seeking attention, some women used spells to harm their competitors — causing illness, coldness, sleep disturbances, or even night terrors. In that era’s culture, such problems were often attributed to the effects of spells or the evil eye.
Superstitions Around Pregnancy and Childbirth
Women in the harem practiced certain superstitious rituals to increase their chances of bearing a son (which held greater value): from eating specific foods to hanging strange objects in their clothes or rooms. The birth of a son could stabilize or elevate a mother’s social position within the harem.
These beliefs created a competitive atmosphere mixed with magic and fear within the harem. In fact, Naser al-Din’s harem was much more than a resting place for the shah — it was a hidden arena where women competed through mysterious tools, magic, and superstition.
